Form-fitting garment

ABSTRACT

A form-fitting garment with an elastic fabric having a first modulus of elasticity, the form-fitting garment when worn by a user generates an elastic tension pressing the fabric against a user&#39;s body; and provides a pattern of elastic bonding material having a second modulus of elasticity so that the elastic bonding material is bonded to the elastic fabric to form a composite garment material that has the elastic fabric as a first layer and the elastic bonding material as a second layer. A joint third modulus of elasticity of the composite material is more than twice the elastic fabric&#39;s first modulus of elasticity so that the elastic tension pressing the fabric against the user&#39;s body forms a pattern of pressure spaces of higher pressure where bonding material is located in comparison to spaces where no bonding material is located.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to form-fitting garments, in general, and specifically to form-fitting garments in the field of sportswear, in particular, form-fitting garments exerting pressure on a user's body.

2. Background Technology

Various types of elastic fabrics are known in the prior art, comprising a mix of synthetic and natural fibers or consisting only of synthetic fibers. Known fibers providing elasticity to the garments are Elastan™, or specifically used in athletic garments polyester fibers such as Coolmax™. Various goals are achieved by elastic fabrics, in an athletic context specifically form-fitting to tightly follow the contours of the part of the body covered by the garment. Other goals are moisture management.

It is also known to exert a certain amount of pressure by the form-fitting garment on the wearer's body parts where desired as it may have positive effects on blood circulation, muscle oxygenation and a relaxing effect on the muscles.

The wearer may also perceive a higher wearing comfort when experience a certain amount and type of pressure. An example are leggings having anchor points at the ankles and the waist, creating a bias in the fabric along the leg that may be visualized by a suspension bridge. Additionally, the diameter of a wearer's leg is thicker than the diameter of the garment, so the leg stretches out the garment such that it exerts a radial pressure on the leg.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve the pressure distribution to increase such positive effects that result from a controlled application of pressure on a user's body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a form-fitting garment is provided, comprising: an elastic fabric having a first modulus of elasticity, said form-fitting garment when worn by a user generates an elastic tension pressing the fabric against a user's body; and a pattern of elastic bonding material having a second modulus of elasticity so that the elastic bonding material is bonded to the elastic fabric to form a composite garment material comprising the elastic fabric as a first layer and the elastic bonding material as a second layer; wherein a joint third modulus of elasticity of the composite material is more than twice the elastic fabric's first modulus of elasticity so that the elastic tension pressing the fabric against the user's body forms a pattern of pressure spaces of higher pressure where bonding material is located in comparison to spaces where no bonding material is located.

In a preferred embodiment, the tapering ends of each arm of the three-pronged star produce varying exertions of compression, with the magnitude decreasing moving from the center of the star to its vertices. The center of the star exerts the greatest magnitude of compression while the magnitude decreases as the arm tapers off extending from the center.

Too much compression is disadvantageous because it limits the flexibility of the wearer. Generally, compression wear had to limit the magnitude of compression to allow freedom of movement at joints, especially in long-sleeved garments, and apply compression just where needed.

The invention accomplishes a greater magnitude of compression at specific points in the garment without sacrificing the wearer's flexibility of movement.

The present invention comprises a radial force pattern in which each discrete bonding material segment creates more pressure relative to non-bonded areas due to comparatively lesser stretch in the elastic bonding material. Elastic bonding material comprises material such as polyurethane and is bonded to the elastic fabric by an intermediate adhesive layer.

In response to movement, the spaces where no bonding material is present can undergo a greater degree of stretch while the spaces with discrete bonding material segments remain constant.

The configuration of the elastic bonding material segments allows the inherent forces to be rerouted through the garment and amplified by creating more resistance and thus more pressure.

Therewith, it allows the compression to be directed through the garment to specifically target muscle groups that need the compression while simultaneously providing release the muscle groups that require less compression. This concept can be visualized by considering the motion of pedaling a bicycle. With each bike pedal stroke, there is a peak moment where a rider's knee is substantially bent and a trough moment where the rider's leg is substantially straight. At the peak moment is advantageous to have greater compression in the quadricep while at the trough moment it is advantageous to release the compression on the quadricep and direct it to the hamstring.

The star-shaped form of the present embodiment is particularly conducive to producing this effect if one of the arms of the star is oriented lengthwise with the leg of the leggings. This pattern of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further serves to provide three separate axes running through each small low-compression space 6, one running horizontally through the zone and two running diagonally through it in opposite directions. These multiple bending axes provide the wearer more flexibility where needed, but likewise the lower elasticity can provide more pressure where needed. This is enabled by the orientation of bonding material segments in correlation to their shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of leggings as an embodiment of the form-fitting garment according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cutting pattern for leggings as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detail showing the shape of the bonding material segments and their correlation to each other.

FIG. 4 shows a section A-A as shown in FIG. 3, showing an elastic bonding material superimposed on an elastic fabric.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail of a single bonding material segment.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of an alternative pattern of elastic bonding material including more than one shape and pattern.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an alternative pattern of elastic bonding material including tangential bonding material segments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the invention includes an elastic bonding material 1 superimposed on an elastic fabric 2 arranged in a pattern 4 such that varying magnitudes of compression are exerted on the wearer. The pattern comprises a plurality of discrete bonding material segments 3, arranged in a manner to provide localized compression. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the discrete bonding material segments 3 are three-pronged stars 8. In the preferred embodiment, the form-fitting garment is a pair of leggings. Compression leggings are known in the art but generally have a uniform magnitude of compression throughout the garment. A compression garment has an inherent large-scale pattern in the fabric that is created by the garment construction and stitching. In the present invention a fine compression pattern is superimposed on this larger pattern to boost the effect of compression.

This either limits the magnitude of compression that can be exerted on the wearer or it limits the freedom of movement of the wearer, especially when performing dynamic movements such as squats or lunges.

FIG. 2 shows a cutting pattern including the arrangement of discrete bonding material segments 3 superimposed on an elastic fabric 2, specifically for a pair of leggings. In the preferred embodiment, the pattern 4 is superimposed on the outside of the elastic fabric 2. This allows the wearer to reap the benefits associated with the compression created by the pattern 4 of discrete bonding material segments 3 without sacrificing the comfort of the smooth interior of the pants against the wearer's skin, eliminating any possible irritation caused by the elastic bonding material 1.

In an alternative embodiment, the pattern 4 of discrete bonding material segments 3 can be on the side of the elastic fabric 2 that is in contact with the wearer's body. This enables the wearer to reap the benefits of the fine compression pattern without the garment visibly having a pattern 4. This could be particularly advantageous for menswear, where many consumers prefer simple designs.

An additional benefit is that the bonding material being on the inside could help keep the garment in place by reducing the possibility of slippage. This could be particularly applicable for athletic use where more dynamic movement takes place. Further, this would help protect the discrete bonding material segments 3 from peeling off of the elastic fabric 2, particularly in high-intensity, high-friction applications.

FIG. 3 provides a close-up view of the pattern of elastic bonding material 1 created by the arrangement of discrete bonding material segments 3. In the preferred embodiment, the discrete bonding material segments 3 take the form of three-pronged stars 8. In this embodiment, the three-pronged star 8 comprises a center 9, three tapered arms 10 extending outwards at equally spaced angles, and a vertex 11 on each of said tapered arms 10.

The pattern is arranged such that small low-compression spaces 6 and large low-compression spaces 7 are created based on the outline of the discrete bonding material segments 3. The small low-compression spaces 6 can be visualized as a circle bound by the vertices 11 of the three-pronged stars 8. The large low-compression spaces 7 are bound by the substantially hexagonal area created by the tapered arms 10 of the three-pronged stars 8. This area is bound by the axis running from the star center 9 to the vertices 11.

The small low-compression spaces 6 and the large low-compression spaces 7 exert the lowest magnitude of compression onto a wearer. In contrast, the area closest to the star center 9 includes the greatest magnitude of compression. The magnitude of compression decreases moving from the star center 9 along the tapered arms 10 to the vertices 11.

The tapered arms 10 serve the purpose of providing varying levels of compression. The low-compression spaces 6, 7 enable the wearer to remain flexible.

It is preferred that the stars do not touch each other for the purpose of providing higher flexibility and creating a greater number of small low-compression spaces 6 between vertices 11 of stars 8. Additionally, if the vertices 11 of the stars 8 touch, the small low-compression spaces 6 are eliminated, resulting in a more rigid garment with a lower degree of comfort. However, certain embodiments are included which comprise patterns wherein the compression bonding element touch each other. Such embodiments could be useful if flexibility is less of a priority, such as in a compression garment geared towards muscle recovery, where the wearer remains mostly static during use.

FIG. 4 shows the cross-sectional cut A-A from FIG. 3, wherein an elastic bonding material 1 is superimposed on an elastic fabric 2. In one embodiment the elastic fabric 2 can comprise 84% polyamide and 16% elastane. Additionally, the elastic bonding material 1 can comprise 100% polyurethane. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic bonding material 1 has a thickness of 0.0051 inches. The elastic bonding material 1 is bonded to the elastic fabric 2 by an adhesive layer 5. The fixation process utilizes a standard bonding procedure using heat, pressure, and time.

FIG. 5 provides exemplary dimensions of a discrete bonding material segment 3 in the form of a three-pronged star 8 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The three-pronged star 8 of the preferred embodiment includes six linear edges, each having a linear edge length of 0.5 inch. The interior angle 14 between intersecting linear edges at the vertices of the three-pronged star is 10 degrees. The width of the tapered arms 10 at the arm base 13 is 0.125 inch. The spacing between the vertices of the three three-pronged stars bounding the small low-compression space 6 are arranged at a distance of 0.25 inch from each other.

The dimensions of the present embodiment are specific to the material blend of the preferred embodiment described in FIG. 5. The material properties of the elastic bonding material 1 and the elastic fabric 2 plays a significant role in the determination of the dimensions of the discrete bonding material segments 3, has a balance between sufficient compression and adequate flexibility is desirable.

The dimensions of the discrete bonding material segment 3 can be adjusted, for example, by using elastic bonding material 1 with a lower modulus of elasticity to decrease the magnitude of compression exerted by the garment.

Alternatively, compression can be increased by increasing the interior angle between intersecting linear edges at the vertices of the three-pronged star. Additionally, compression can be increased by shortening the linear edge length of the tapered arms 10, allowing for a greater density of discrete bonding material segments, effectively decreasing the area of each low compression space 6, 7. A further way to increase the magnitude of compression is increasing the thickness of the bonding material. Another way to increase compression is to limit the spacing between each discrete bonding material segment 3. In one embodiment, individual discrete bonding material segments 3 can be tangential to each other to provide greater compression when flexibility is less desired.

In alternate embodiments wherein different discrete bonding material segments 3 or patterns 4 are used, similar principles can be applied to adjust the compression/flexibility ratio to an advantageous proportion.

The pattern does not have to be repeating. In one embodiment, the discrete bonding material segments can be non-uniformly present on the garment, for instance to target a specific muscle group. This allows compression to be more heavily exerted on body parts where compression is advantageous while omitting the pattern 4 on body parts where flexibility is advantageous.

In another embodiment, more than one pattern 4 can be present on the same form-fitting garment to provide varying magnitudes of compression to different body parts.

FIGS. 6 and 7 provide embodiment of the pattern of elastic material including different shapes and arrangements of the bonding elements.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment, including a combination of two different types of patterns 4 on the same garment. In this embodiment, the circle pattern is arranged such that there are low-compression spaces included uniformly throughout the pattern. Additionally, the star-shaped discrete bonding material segments 3 are included, which include small low-compression spaces 6 and large low-compression spaces 7.

FIG. 7 shows another exemplary embodiment, including a pattern of bonding elements arranged such that the corners are tangent with the corners of the neighboring bonding elements. Additionally, in this embodiment the pattern 4 is not uniformly present on the garment.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the garment described herein can take form of a wide variety of apparel and accessories in which the compression could be advantageous. As a nonlimiting exemplary list, the present invention can be applied to tops, shorts, bibs, base layers, full catsuits, socks, and legs/arm warmers.

Another embodiment of the invention includes fixation points at the waist and the ankles to prevent movement of the garment, specifically for embodiments in which the garment is leggings. These fixation points provide anchors, similar to the operation of a suspension bridge, by providing compression through contraction. The magnitude of compression at these fixation points should be sufficient to create a lengthwise tension force of the leggings directed from the user's waist to the ankle, biasing the leggings in a lengthwise direction. Therefore, the garment remains in a substantially uniform position minimizing scrunching due to the radial force generated by the lengthwise biasing of the leg material. Accordingly, the pattern 4 of discrete bonding material segments 3 exerts compression forces in a pattern as intended by the designer. Without this provision, the garment is susceptible to providing greater than desired pressure at certain points of the wearer's body.

For leggings, but likewise for any other form-fitting garment, the fabric comprises between 80-90% polyamide and between 10-20% elastane. The boding material attached to such leggings or other garment comprises preferable polyurethane and is applied by a printing process with subsequent heat treatment to the elastic fabric to form said composite material by bonding.

In the following, the reference numerals are listed:

1 elastic bonding material

2 elastic fabric

3 discrete bonding material segments

4 pattern

5 adhesive layer

6 small low-compression space

7 large low-compression space

8 three-pronged star

9 star center

10 tapered arms

11 vertex

12 linear edge

13 arm base

14 interior angle

The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, although not every Figure may repeat each and every feature that has been shown in another Figure in order to not obscure certain features or overwhelm the Figure with repetitive indicia. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific methodology, devices, apparatuses, materials, applications, etc., described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 

1. A form-fitting garment, comprising: an elastic fabric having a first modulus of elasticity, said form-fitting garment when worn by a user generates an elastic tension pressing the fabric against a user's body; a pattern of elastic bonding material having a second modulus of elasticity so that the elastic bonding material is bonded to the elastic fabric to form a composite garment material comprising the elastic fabric as a first layer and the elastic bonding material as a second layer; wherein a joint third modulus of elasticity of the composite material is more than twice the elastic fabric's first modulus of elasticity so that the elastic tension pressing the fabric against the user's body forms a pattern of pressure spaces of higher pressure where bonding material is located in comparison to spaces where no bonding material is located; the pattern of elastic bonding material comprises a plurality of discrete bonding material segments that are not directly connected with each other through the elastic bonding material; the plurality of discrete bonding material segments are star-shaped; and the star-shaped bonding material segments have the shape of a three-pronged star having arms becoming narrower in a direction from a center of the star towards outer ends of the arms of the star, consequently providing the highest pressure in the center of the star and the lowest at the vertices of the star. 2-4. (canceled)
 5. The form-fitting garment according to claim 4, wherein all outer ends of the arms of the star-shaped bonding material segments are spaced apart from outer ends of the arms of respective adjacent star-shaped bonding material segments.
 6. The form-fitting garment according to claim 4, wherein the garment is leggings and when worn by a user, having one arm of the three-pronged star oriented in substantially lengthwise direction of a user's leg.
 7. The form-fitting garment according to claim 6, wherein the leggings comprises fixation points configured to be at a user's ankle end and at a user's waist that are strong enough to create a lengthwise tension force of the leggings directed from the user's waist to the ankle, biasing the leggings in lengthwise direction.
 8. The form-fitting garment according to claim 1, wherein the elastic fabric comprises between 80-90% polyamide and between 10-20% elastane.
 9. The form-fitting garment according to claim 1, wherein the elastic bonding material comprises polyurethane and is applied by a printing process with subsequent heat treatment to the elastic fabric to form said composite material by bonding. 